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December 2022 Challenge - A Guide for Blogging Success

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

 The ActiveRain Members Guide to Blogging Success

~ Do's and Don'ts ~

 

Brian England  and I are co-hosting the December 2022, and we want to know - are you ready to share your opinions and knowledge?

 

Wordpress blogging graphicOf course you are. That’s never been a problem in our community as long as I’ve been a member.

 

And it’s even better when you can earn bonus points for sharing what you think and know, help others, plus gain some recognition!

 

We had a wonderful Challenge in October where AR members were asked to share their blogging success stories. What a terrific collection of successes from blogging! Thank you Carol Williams , Aura Alex and Leanne Smith  for co-hosting and for the inspiration, and to everyone who shared their blogging success stories.

 

But some of you may wonder, especially if you are new to blogging or don’t post very often…how can I achieve these successes, or similar ones, from my blogging? Keep in mind that blogging success can be defined in many different ways, as the October Challenge revealed so clearly. So a couple of questions to ponder…

 

What can I do to improve my blogging and results?

What things should I avoid doing?

 

That’s the crux of the December Challenge, our last one for 2022.

 

And who better to ask for blogging guidance and advice than passionate ActiveRain Members who know so much and share so willingly?! And who have been successful with their blogging.

 

So...are you ready to share, and earn some bonus points? And help some bloggers who perhaps could improve their posts, or who may be new to the blogging world?

 

Think of all you have learned in your blogging over the years, perhaps some mistakes you’ve made, AND the things you believe you did well with your posts that led to success.

 

And of course think about YOUR passion for blogging.

 

Here are the instructions (while guidelines may be tedious, every Challenge has them).

 

There are 2 options – please pick 1! Bonus points will be awarded for EITHER Option 1 OR Option 2 but not both!

 

OPTION 1 – 1 POST (1000 bonus points):

  1. Write a single post of at least 250 words
  2. Please share 1 blogging tip THAT CAN LEAD TO SUCCESS (however you define it), i.e., something you should be doing in your blogging, AND 1 tip about WHAT NOT TO DO (e.g., stuff you don’t like to see, things that detract from a post, or that violate the community guidelines). Feel free to share more than 2 tips, if you wish…or consider Option 2 instead!
  3. Be specific with your advice and use examples where it makes sense.
  4. Include 1 photo or graphic, or an original video if you are inspired.
  5. Please include a Feature Photo, too!
  6. Provide a working link to your post in the comment section below.

 

OPTION 2 – 2 POSTS (1000 bonus points each for a total of 2000 points):

  1. Write 2 posts of at least 250 words each
  2. One post must include at least 2 Blogging Tips about the things you can and should be doing to be successful with your blogging.
  3. The 2nd post must include at least 2 tips about WHAT NOT TO DO (e.g., things readers won’t find appealing, that violate the community guidelines, or that you personally, and probably others, view as Blogging No No’s).
  4. Be specific about your advice and use examples where it helps.
  5. Please provide at least 1 photo or graphic, or an original video if you are inspired, for EACH post.
  6. Please include a Feature Photo for each, too!
  7. Share a working link to both posts in 1 comment in the comment section below.

 

The Challenge begins today, December 1, and ends at 11:59 PST on December 31st (New Year’s Eve!). Please post your comment(s) and link(s) by that time, too…and probably before you start celebrating the New Year 2023!

 

Bonus points will be awarded in early January 2023.

 

As an AR member we know you are passionate about blogging, and even if you are relatively new as a blogger you likely have some thoughts about the DO’s and DON’T’s of blogging that can lead to success. Remember - success in blogging can mean all sorts of things.

 

Let’s hear YOUR best tips to help others improve their blogging and achieve success!

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


Call or Text
(760) 840-1360

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Enjoy the beach life in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas,
San Marcos & other
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Comments(76)

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Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Joyous Christmas and thanks for the Blogging December challenge Jeff Dowler, CRS and Brian England !

Here are my Option 2 Challenge entries:

1. Good Blog! Good Blogger!

2. Do As I SAY Not As I DO...BLOGGING BLUNDERS!

Dec 18, 2022 01:18 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI 

Thanks for taking on the Challenge and sharing your tips in your 2 posts! Off to read the second one.

Jeff

Dec 18, 2022 01:59 PM
Brian England

Thanks for your entries, I look forward to reading your posts!  FYI, we have another meetup scheduled for January 9th, let me know if you are available Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI and I will add you to the invite.

Dec 19, 2022 05:42 AM
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

I'm truly enjoying all the great ideas and post. Thanks for the challenge. here is my 2nd post.

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5764306/blogging-is-a-conversation--not-a-secret-code-

Thank you 

Dec 19, 2022 12:37 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thank you for participating, Ritu Desai 703-625-4949 and for sharing some excellent blogging advice!

Jeff

Dec 19, 2022 04:37 PM
Brian England

I am headed to read your second entry and looking forward to it.

Dec 20, 2022 04:44 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you so much for hosting. I've really enjoyed reading so many of the posts! Here are my two entries:

First one

Second one

Dec 19, 2022 03:22 PM
Brian England

I remember reading the first one and it was really good!  Heading over to read your second post now!

Dec 20, 2022 04:45 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

There really have been lots of excellent posts Dorie Dillard Austin TX  Thank for sharing YOUR blogging wisdom.

Jeff

Dec 19, 2022 04:38 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Jeff Dowler, CRS and Brian England Below are links to my two posts/submissions to the December 2022 Active Rain Challenge:

 

Blogging Tips: It's All About Getting Back To Basics

 

10 Things NOT To Do If You're Looking For Blogging Success

 

Thanks for taking the time to organize and host this challenge in what is a busy month for many.

Dec 20, 2022 04:29 AM
Brian England

Both solid posts, I enjoyed each of them, you are a really good blogger!

Dec 20, 2022 04:46 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker 

Thanks for sharing such great blogging advice to help others improve.

Jeff

Dec 20, 2022 08:56 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Jeff Dowler, CRS hi Jeff... it was my pleasure to do so!

Dec 20, 2022 12:01 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Brian England Thank you, Brian.

Dec 20, 2022 12:01 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Roy Kelley 

Thank you for sharing your wisdom as our most prolific blogger here!

I look forward to reading both posts.

Jeff

Dec 20, 2022 11:19 AM
Brian England

Solid posts, really appreciate you participating in the challenge and I really enjoyed learning from your wisdom!

Dec 22, 2022 04:18 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Done! Thank you for inspiring two blog posts, Jeff and Brian! This is a great challenge and I hope you/we all will compile a guide for new members to follow, or at least draw inspiration from. Happy Holidays 🎄

My top two tips for blogging success

AR's guide to blogging success: what not to do

Dec 22, 2022 03:59 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thank YOU for sharing your blogging wisdom in your 2 posts Andrea Bedard I'm glad you enjoyed the Challenge, and there has been so much great learning from our members! I think this can be a great resource for others.

Jeff

Dec 22, 2022 05:35 PM
Brian England

I think that I read the first on already and I am off to read your second entry now!

Dec 23, 2022 05:49 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

I just discovered this challenge so I'll jump in on it - great idea Jeff Dowler, CRS and Brian England 

Dec 23, 2022 06:24 AM
Brian England

Get to work Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets we need to hear what you have to say!

Dec 23, 2022 06:28 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Great Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets 

We look forward to your blogging words of wisdom.

Jeff

Dec 23, 2022 09:10 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Dec 24, 2022 10:50 AM
Brian England

I am headed to read it right now Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, Merry Christmas to you, Ailina, and Whiskey!

Dec 25, 2022 05:09 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Jeff (and Brian too HaHa) - while you both have read and commented on my post, I thought I should submit a comment with its link so it can make any challenge calculation easier for you since it is my only entry.  

Thank you again for hosting.  

Maybe You Shouldn't Be An ActiveRain Blogger. . .

Dec 24, 2022 06:47 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thank you again for your participation Michael Jacobs.

Merry Christmas!

Jeff

Dec 24, 2022 09:38 AM
Brian England

I am glad that your post is now officially entered into the challenge Michael Jacobs it was a good one!

Dec 25, 2022 05:04 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
Dec 27, 2022 10:25 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Glad you enjoyed it Hannah Williams . Thank you for including your tips so others can improve.

Jeff

Dec 27, 2022 12:18 PM
Brian England

Thanks for participating Hannah Williams I look forward to reading both of your posts, if I haven't already!

Dec 27, 2022 11:55 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Brian England and Jeff Dowler, CRS - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here are my two entries into this month's challenge. 

Blog 1 -  Blogging is all about networking - https://activerain.com/blogsview/5764965/blogging-is-all-about-networking

Blog 2 -  Bloggers Are You “Old School?” - https://activerain.com/blogsview/5765620/bloggers-are-you--old-school--

Dec 27, 2022 06:21 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

Hope you and Rick had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year 2023!

Thank you for all the great advice in your 2 posts for the December Challenge. There was so much helpful information for others to use to improve their blogging!

Jeff

Dec 27, 2022 07:13 PM
Brian England

I look forward to reading both of your posts if I haven't already Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

Dec 28, 2022 05:15 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Finished this one up today.

Post #1

Post #2

 

thanks for hosting!

Dec 28, 2022 01:42 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Tammy Lankford, 

Thanks for sharing 2 entries for the Challenge. I'm off to read the second one.

It was a pleasure to host and to read so many informative posts filled with blogging advice.

Jeff

Dec 28, 2022 02:36 PM
Brian England

You always have something good to share with us Tammy Lankford, I think I read the first one and definitely look forward to reading the second one!

Dec 29, 2022 03:32 AM
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Wow! Been awhile since I've written a blog- and here is my first!

Blogging Dues and Do Knots

Dec 29, 2022 06:35 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Chrissi Chapman Topoleski 

So glad you are back, and with some great advice in your creative post. I LOVE the title, which sends a pretty good message.

Thanks for your entry - I hope you will share another!

Jeff

Dec 29, 2022 07:46 PM
Brian England

I am glad that this challenge sparked you to start writing blog posts again Chrissi Chapman Topoleski and I think I saw two posts from you.  I look forward to reading them both.  I knew a guy named Daniel Topoleski, any relation?

Dec 30, 2022 05:45 AM
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!
Dec 29, 2022 09:42 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thank you for your second Challenge entry, Chrissi Chapman Topoleski .

Will take a look at it soon!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2022 09:55 AM
Ray Henson
Retired - Goodyear, AZ
Retired Real Estate Agent

Thank you for the challenge, Jeff Dowler, CRS and Brian England.  Brian, you will be glad to hear that I did not even mention pickleball or our upcoming match.  Did Santa get you that pickleball paddle that he promised you?  #ResistanceIsFutile

Blogging Tips-Just Get Started

Dec 30, 2022 07:35 AM
Brian England

You not mentioning pickleball makes me very happy Ray Henson #NoPickleballForBrian

Dec 30, 2022 08:48 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

This was great advice Ray Henson..about blogging, not about Pickleball. Or may it IS both! LOL.

Jeff

Dec 30, 2022 10:54 AM
Ray Henson

I am happy that you are happy, Brian England.

Dec 30, 2022 09:02 AM
Sandra Mathewson
RE/MAX 4000 - Grand Junction, CO
CRS, CLHMS, ABR, SRES, GRI, CDPE, PSA, SFR, CNHS

Brian and Jeff,

Thanks for a very inspirational challenge!  Here is my first entry for Success in Blogging.

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5766048/bloging-sucess-that-works-for-me-

Dec 30, 2022 12:07 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Sandra Mathewson 

Thanks you so much for your entry for the December Challenge. I look forward to reading it!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2022 12:37 PM
Brian England

I look forward to reading your post, thank you for participating Sandra Mathewson 

Dec 31, 2022 04:40 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Hello guys. I do't do challenges often but could to pass your challenge up:

!st post: https://activerain.com/droplet/HhML

2nd post: https://activerain.com/droplet/HhQz

Hope this works, I am no techie! Thanks for the challenge.

Dec 30, 2022 03:28 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Hi Wayne Martin 

We are honored that you selected this Challenge to participate in...and you shared some great advice in your 2 posts.

Thanks again!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2022 05:06 PM
Brian England

I am glad that you chose to participate in this one Wayne Martin are you trying to weasel your way into an adult libation on me when you come to visit?

Dec 31, 2022 04:41 AM
Wayne Martin

Brian, I will be happy to buy the first round when naif we can figure out. way to get together! Thanks for the challenge along with your Partner, Jeff Dowler, CRS who I have had the pleasure of personally sharing an adult libation.

Dec 31, 2022 07:32 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Just not enough time this month for everything.

Here's one at least

Making Blogging Effective and Productive

Dec 31, 2022 05:44 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

And it was a very good one, Ed Silva Thank you for participating and sharing your wisdom!

Happy New Year!

Jeff

Dec 31, 2022 10:41 AM
Brian England

I look forward to reading it Ed Silva you are a really good blogger!

Dec 31, 2022 01:33 PM
Sandra Mathewson
RE/MAX 4000 - Grand Junction, CO
CRS, CLHMS, ABR, SRES, GRI, CDPE, PSA, SFR, CNHS

Jeff and Brian, here is my 2nd post on what to avoid in blogging.

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5766123/blogging-success-without-these-two-things

Happy New Year!

Sandra

Dec 31, 2022 07:07 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thank you for participating in the Challenge, Sandra Mathewson 

I'm off to take a look!

Happy New Year!

Jeff

Dec 31, 2022 10:42 AM
Brian England

I think that I read yours earlier today, but if I did not, I will check it out tomorrow!

Dec 31, 2022 01:34 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Here are my two, Jeff & Brian England! Thank you both again for hosting this fun and very helpful challenge this month. Happy New Year to you and yours!

#1 - Blogging Tips - My Best 'To-Dos' in Any Market
#2 - 3 Deadly Sins of Blogging

Dec 31, 2022 12:07 PM
Brian England

You are awesome, Debe Maxwell, CRS, I look forward to reading your entries if I haven't already.  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2022 01:35 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Thanks for sharing some great blogging advice Debe Maxwell, CRS 

I'm off to read the second one.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration and a Happy and Healthy 2023!

Jeff

Dec 31, 2022 01:33 PM